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How to paint a front door – Tips from the professionals

Posted on July 15, 2021

Tips for Painting a Front DoorExterior House Painting

 

One way to easily enhance your curb appeal is with giving your front door a fresh coat. Let’s walk through the process.

Estimate needing about a can of exterior paint or one quart. Look for paint that will hold up against the elements well. We recommend using an acrylic or latex-based paint. The more glossy the paint, the easier it will be to clean, so you might want to consider a paint that is somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, such as semi-gloss or satin.

Using a latex-based paint will provide you with the most protection and give you the most coverage against flaws and imperfections.

Start by taking off the door. Remove the screws and hinge pins with a screwdriver. A flathead is ideal for loosening up the hinge pins while a Phillips head is better for removing the screws. Take care not to strip the hardware. You will want to use something such as a storm door for coverage while you are waiting for the paint on your front door to dry.

When you have removed your door, it is a good idea the sand it to smooth is over and have a nice even surface. A medium grit sandpaper is a good start. As you work over the surface, you may want to move up to a finer grit. You can fix up cracks with a bit of caulk and a putty knife. Remember to clear away sanding dust before moving on to priming.

Use a single coat of primer to give the door a nice smooth and even texture while protecting it from excess moisture. Allow the front to dry before moving to the back.

When your primer has finished drying, begin painting your door from the top to bottom. Use a cloth to wipe away lines while making strokes with a wide brush. Use two coats as a minimum, adding more layers as you see fit.

When you’ve finished adding layers of paint, wait for the door to finish drying completely before reinstalling it. A freshly painting front door is a simple project but makes a huge difference to the appearance of your home’s exterior!

 

If you need assistance with a house painting project, contact us to set up a free estimate appointment.